Edinburgh is arguably one of the most interesting and exciting locations to visit in the UK. It is a place of history and magnificent architecture that will leave anyone who sees it in awe. If you’re looking to travel to Edinburgh soon, whether it’s for a business meeting or a family holiday, you may want some tips on making sure you have a great time! Here are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure you have a stress-free trip.
Why You Should Visit Edinburgh
Edinburgh is not just the capital of Scotland. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Ever since it was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Edinburgh has been attracting tourists from around the world. Edinburgh is arguably the most historic and culturally significant city of Scotland, and its history dates back thousands of years, and it has a rich heritage and landscape. The Scottish capital is home to many famous attractions such as the Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile, The Scottish Parliament, and Arthur’s Seat. Many celebrated festivals take place in Edinburgh that attract large crowds from all over the world. In addition, Edinburgh is also a major centre for education. Some of its universities are among the best in Europe for teaching quality, making it one of the most exciting cities in Europe for its student life. This brings a vibrant and cosmopolitan student life to the city, resulting in fantastic restaurants, pubs, and bars. Some compelling reasons why you should visit Edinburgh include:
- Edinburgh’s compact city layout makes it easy to explore on foot.
- There are plenty of things to see and do, with many historic buildings and museums that are well worth a visit.
- You can enjoy excellent cuisine at numerous restaurants that serve everything from Scottish fish and chips to Scottish beef Wellington roast dinner.
- The city is home to many festivals throughout the year, which you can attend for free because there are no tickets required.
Helpful Tips When Travelling To This Great City
Edinburgh is always a must-see destination, no matter what time of year. The city comes alive with events throughout the year and can be a lively and exciting place to visit. Furthermore, it is home to many famous distilleries meaning there are plenty of places to have a wee dram. There are many ways to get around the city and enjoy all it has to offer, and this section will help you plan your trip in advance so that you don’t miss out on anything.
Choose The Most Efficient Mode Of Transportation
There are many reasons why the train is such a great form of transportation. Compared to commuting by car, it is more affordable, offers more mobility, and saves you time. No matter where you are in the UK, you should be able to find a ticket that will take you directly into the Victorian marvel of Waverly railway station in the heart of the city. This is extremely useful as you will arrive in comfort and ready to explore everything Edinburgh offers. If you do decide to travel via train, there are some things you can do to make the trip more efficient and even save some money.
You’ll Save Money With Advanced Ticket Buying
When you purchase your train ticket, there are several things you can do to lower the cost. You may want to consider using a split fare to reduce the price without affecting your travel plans. This involves buying two or more tickets to different stains along the same track. You won’t need to switch trains or seats, but it will make your fare cheaper. Another fantastic tip is to ensure that you book well in advance. And Split My Fare, which specializes in ticketing, suggests that you can save a significant amount by booking an advance ticket up to twelve weeks in advance of your journey. You should also be aware that during certain times of the year like Christmas, tickets can sell out rapidly and drastically increase in price due to surge pricing.
Make Use Of The Public Transportation
Due to Edinburgh’s small size compared to their cities, it has an excellent mass transit system that you can use almost any time of the day and evening. You can use its bus system, which is efficient, cheap, punctual, and straightforward to use. Edinburgh has an extensive bus network that reaches out into the surrounding areas, while trams provide a fast and efficient way to travel from the airport to the city centre over 14 km. The best way to get value for money is to purchase an all-day ticket for around £5 (£9.50 for a family ticket) allows you to use any Lothian bus throughout the day. It is also easy to use taxis, but you rarely need anything other than a quick bus ride to reach your destination because it is such a compact and dense city.
Take A Hike To The Top Of Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is an ancient volcanic plug in North East Scotland and is known for great views of Edinburgh and the surrounding area. It isn’t a particularly strenuous trek, but you need decent shoes, a jacket for the windy weather, and be in reasonable shape to complete it. Nevertheless, once you reach the top, the views are utterly spectacular. You will gain a new appreciation of not just this great city but also of the surrounding areas.
Make At Least One Trip To The Famous Fringe Festival
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is one of the most significant cultural festivals for artists and audiences alike. It started in 1947 as a protest against the censorship of artworks during World War 2, when many theatres were being closed. The organizers of the fringe wanted to encourage free expression through staging performances in Edinburgh in August instead of in London or Paris in July or August. This continues to be an essential part of the fringe culture with its wide range of performances, theatricals, comedy shows and lectures coming together with music at venues across Edinburgh each August. Just be aware that accommodation can be costly during these times, so budget accordingly.
This city most certainly rewards travellers who are up for a challenge but are also prepared to find comfort in simple pleasures. Using some of the tips in this post, you should have a fantastic and affordable trip to this most iconic European city.